Introduction
Pharmacologic studies have shown a relationship between plasma antiretroviral levels and toxicity/viral activity. Nevertheless, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data are inconsistent and limited in HIV-infected children. An analysis was performed of plasma antiretroviral concentrations in clinical practice and their influence on therapy efficacy in HIV-infected children.
Methods
Observational, prospective, multicenter study, including HIV-infected children followed up at 5 reference hospitals between March 2006 and June 2008. Pre-dose plasma antiretroviral levels were determined and the relationships with various clinical and analytical variables were investigated.
Results
A total of 129 patients were included, and 41.3 % had antiretroviral plasma levels outside the established range. No differences were found between sexes. Children younger than 1 year had a higher rate of suboptimal levels and higher viral load than the remaining children.
Conclusion
Antiretroviral plasma concentrations are more frequently suboptimal in children younger than 1 year. This finding is related with greater viral failure and implies a considerable challenge in this population, which requires very long-term treatment.
